Safety is a non-negotiable requirement at shooting ranges, and ballistic blocks preserve the fcility's infrastructure and prevent accidents and injuries.
However, no matter how enduring the block is, it will eventually wear down and lose its strength. But, with routine maintenance and caring techniques, you can delay the damage and increase the longevity of the equipment.
And rightly avail of the warranty services!
In this blog, the team at TAP Ballistics sheds light on the top 5 maintenance tips for long-lasting ballistic blocks.
But before that, let’s take a quick detour and understand the concept of ballistic blocks.
What Are Ballistic Blocks? What Are Ballistic Blocks?
Ballistic blocks are a type of ballistic barrier that helps absorb and minimize the impact of high-velocity projectiles. A quality ballistic block comes with excellent self-healing properties to capture as many bullets/threats as possible (thousands) before nearing its end.
They are generally used in:
Mock-up Environments
Tactical Training Rooms
Knee Walls
Ballistic Testing Facilities
Shooting Ranges
Infrastructural Protection Gear
Lane Traps
When it comes to composition, ballistic-grade steel is a highly sought-after material for building ballistic blocks. Other popular choices are alumina oxide, silicon carbide, Kevlar, Dyneema, polyethylene, rubber compounds, etc.
Maintaining and Caring for Long-lasting Ballistic Blocks
Below are the five essential tips to keep in mind while handling ballistic blocks:
Follow Installation Guidelines The best way to care for ballistic blocks is to go by the book. That means following the manufacturer’s recommendations. These equipment are designed and tested in a controlled environment. Deviating from such protocols can significantly impact the ballistic block's strength and the shooting range's safety. Thus, it’s important to follow installation guidelines to maintain the barrier's structural integrity. For example, improperly lodged blocks can easily get disrupted when a projectile hits them. This can create gaps and dents in the block, damage the infrastructure, and even injure someone. So, ensure the blocks are compatible with the surrounding environment and installed correctly.
Conduct Regular Inspections By conducting periodic assessments of the ballistic blocks, you can detect damage or wear in the early stages. These include cracks, dents, bulges, deformation, and corrosive surfaces. Inspections further allow you to check the installation and determine if a block is misaligned from the overall structure. This helps secure it back and ensures that you have hit the nail on the head when it comes to anchoring and spacing ballistic blocks. It’s also important to evaluate the barrier's performance to meet all the safety standards. So, if a block cannot absorb and dissipate the projectile’s kinetic energy, it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Clean Ballistic Blocks Properly Cleaning is basic to maintaining good health and aesthetic appearance of the ballistic block. But how do you go about it? First, follow your manufacturer’s recommendations. The type of cleaning agent or other products/tools you use will depend on the block's material—steel, rubber, ceramic, etc. Once you’ve gathered all the supplies, carefully remove dry dust and residue from the block. Gently scrub away the stains/mold/grime before rinsing. Make sure that you don’t rub too hard, lest the surface be damaged. Lastly, dry the ballistic block completely before a final inspection and put it back to use.
Correct Storage and Transportation Practices Moisture and temperature fluctuations can massively impact the health of the blocks. Thus, creating a sound environment for storing ballistic blocks is vital for preventing unnecessary damage to their quality. For example, if your facility is in a flood-prone region, avoid stacking blocks directly on the ground. This also promotes ventilation so that any moisture within the blocks evaporates, ensuring their performance is unaffected. Secured packaging is a must when transporting such equipment. The blocks must be handled using proper lifting tools so that they’re free of deformations and cracks.
Repairing Techniques You can often undo the damages caused by treating the impact site to restore the initial strength and performance level. To do so, thoroughly inspect the block and understand the extent of damage—scratch, crack, delamination, etc. Clean the surface and remove any residue or dirt before proceeding. Choose the right filler material for your ballistic block, such as polymer resin or epoxy-based compounds. Apply and spread it evenly throughout the damaged area. Let it rest for a while for the filler to act, and finally, sand it to get a neat finish. For added protection, remember to use a sealant to protect the block from corrosion and other external hazards.
When Should You Replace a Ballistic Block?
Swapping out ballistic blocks at specific points is the best way to maintain safety standards at the shooting range and deliver optimal performance.
Here’s when you must replace a ballistic block:
There is visible damage to the block that’s beyond repair.
It has lost its ballistic ability or is reaching the end of its expected lifecycle.
The block does not meet the updated or new regulatory standards.
It checks the replacement criteria laid down by the manufacturer.
TAP Ballistics provides blocks with a fantastic life expectancy (up to thousands of rounds) that can be easily replaced without any hassle.
Equip Your Target Range with the Best Ballistic Blocks
TAP Ballistics adds a modular twist to ballistic blocks—you can stack them vertically or horizontally to give the final barrier structure your preferred shape.
The No Gap Design makes them all the more robust, with zero seams and gaps in the blocks. Plus, you can shoot up to 40,000 rounds before the block’s life cycle ends.
Our ballistic blocks are made from high-density, premium SBR rubber compound that eliminates ricochets and adds a self-healing property for longevity.
Contact us today to make your shooting range a safer and more practical place to train!